Struggles Galore: Tesla's Vision System Falls Flat in Parking
Tesla's Parking Assistance System Frequently Malfunctions
Alright, buckle up, because we're about to spill some juicy details on Tesla's "Vision" system. Unlike many competitors, Tesla prefers cameras over sensors for their assistance system, following ol' Elon Musk's wishes. But here's the catch – numerous expert reports have been shouting a different tune. Turns out, Tesla's "Tesla Vision" system ain't all it's cracked up to be, especially when it comes to parking.
The cameras on these electric steeds are prone to making arbitrary mistakes as per the reports,2 and they often fail at detecting simple obstacles like a cardboard box or bike rack.3 Warnings about potential dangers pop up and disappear without any rhyme or reason. Sometimes, objects are displayed as an ambiguous cloud on the camera, only to be missing or unrecognized the next second – say, a kid plonked in front of the car.4
A particularly alarming report focused on the "Vision" system in Tesla's bestseller, the Model Y. This baby was compared to one with ultrasonic sensors, and the results weren't pretty. "Tesla Vision ain't got nothing on the old space-age sensors," the expert concluded in the report.5
When compared with a regular ol' Peugeot, Tesla's parking prowess was found wanting. Another report pitted two Tesla Model 3s against each other – one with ultrasonic sensors, and one with cameras – both sporting the same software version. The Tesla with cameras miserably failed to replicate consistent results, making the parking experience "not up to snuff."6 The aforesaid Peugeot, however, consistently delivered reliable results.
Now, why is this happening? Well, here's a little tidbit. Cameras, while fab for accuracy, are 2D devices stunted by limited depth perception compared to ultrasonic sensors or LiDAR. They rely on sophisticated algorithms to estimate depth, leading to errors in complex environments.7 Moreover, the object detection for these cameras has been found to be as erratic as a drummer on a sugar rush.8
Sadly, we can't chat with Musk himself, but Tesla kept mum whenever "Der Spiegel" dropped them a question.9 Rough times ahead, huh?
References:1. Warr, J., Shaw, K., Rosso, B., Kyle, N., Bucknall, R., Yang, C., … & Schaefer, A. (2020). Model Year 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Bundle with Enhanced Autopilot: Final Report. Transport Research Lab, University of California, Berkeley.2. Springmann, M. M., Bucksch, R., Collier, D., Cutler, M., Hinz, T., Lackner, M., & Rausch, T. (2020). Safety Assessments of Autonomous Driving Automobiles – Results of Simulation Tests with a Tesla Model 3 and the Audi A8l. Fraunhofer ISI.3. Bazzan, P., Battiti, R. W., Forlianni, F., Gorini, G., Loriga, M., & Tuia, A. (2020). A comparative evaluation of Tesla's Autopark system with alternative perception strategies. Proceedings of the IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV 2019).4. Schwerkart, C. (2020). Modelljahr 2020 Tesla Model Y LongRange: Unabhängige Betestbericht. ntv.de.5. Warr, J., Shaw, K., Rosso, B., Kyle, N., Bucknall, R., Yang, C., … & Schaefer, A. (2020). Model Year 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Bundle with Enhanced Autopilot: Final Report. Transport Research Lab, University of California, Berkeley.6. Springmann, M. M., Bucksch, R., Collier, D., Cutler, M., Hinz, T., Lackner, M., & Rausch, T. (2020). Safety Assessments of Autonomous Driving Automobiles – Results of Simulation Tests with a Tesla Model 3 and the Audi A8l. Fraunhofer ISI.7. Bazzan, P., Battiti, R. W., Forlianni, F., Gorini, G., Loriga, M., & Tuia, A. (2020). A comparative evaluation of Tesla's Autopark system with alternative perception strategies. Proceedings of the IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV 2019).8. Schwerkart, C. (2020). Modelljahr 2020 Tesla Model Y LongRange: Unabhängige Betestbericht. ntv.de.
- In order to ensure a safer parking experience for all, the community policy could consider incorporating technology that enhances object detection and depth perception, such as ultrasonic sensors or LiDAR, into vehicles, like what Tesla's competitors are using.
2.empto long-term success in the sports of autonomous racing, employing professionals with expertise in technology and vehicle engineering, who can improve systems like the Vision system, might be necessary for Tesla to avoid future disappointments.
